Book Review: Exploring the Dynamics of Race Against Time

Book review

In conversation with author Harish C. Rijhwani.

Why race against time tagline is used?

The corporate world is fast-paced and filled with deadlines. Many a time, you will find employees running against time to meet their goals. The book “9 to 5 Cubicle Tales – A Race Against Time” depicts similar scenarios but is not limited to the corporate race. In reality, each person is also running towards a personal goal, which is also covered in the book.

What fun elements does the book cover?

Well, that’s an interesting question, and possibly my favorite one, as the corporate world isn’t as bland as it might feel from the outside. The book showcases how people in the corporate setting find joy and recreation in the hustle and bustle through various sports endeavors, such as squash, tennis, or even chess. The narrative also takes the reader on a thrilling road trip to Atlanta, showcasing the scenic beauty of Stone Mountain.

What relationships does the book explore?

The corporate world is an amalgamation of various relationships that one encounters over many years. Besides the deep family relationships(siblings and mother), the book showcases deep friendships in the office circle. In this part of the series, the protagonist stays in the US with colleagues, and the book touches upon the camaraderie and tussles one might have with roommates. Overall, the book explores themes of support, companionship, rivalry, and complexities of human nature against the professional backdrop.

The different characters in the book and their relevance to the real world.

The book primarily dwells on the corporate life of a young IT professional, where one meets highly relatable characters viz, the calm and supportive boss, the envious senior, the colleague who loves to give excuses, the unrealistic quality auditor, funny roommates, the innovator, and, above all, friendships to die for.

Does the book showcase conflicts and how they get resolved?

Yes, the book touches on conflicts one might see, and how things can escalate in an environment where your roommate is also your colleague. Conflicts arise due to differences in their lifestyle habits or even sometimes due to work-related issues. The solution comes into the picture when one accepts their mistakes and realizes one needs to adjust to a certain extent.

How are mentors depicted in the books?

When studying in school/college, one gets guidance from teachers who often show us the right path. However, in the corporate world, one person to guide/mentor you is your manager or a senior colleague. Both books showcase different types of mentors- supportive managers/colleagues or a challenging and demanding guide.

Are there any security breaches showcased?

The current part of the Cubicle Tales series does showcase a common security breach that can happen in the corporate world. The book also explains the kind of checks one can put in so as not to repeat the same problem. Additionally, there are other challenges one faces. For example, in the first part, there is an example where the CXO of a company gets only half his salary, causing the team to try and fix the problem quickly.

Does the book touch upon innovation in the corporate world?

“Yes,” the current two parts of the Cubicle Tales series touch upon innovation and solving a given challenge/problem. To cite an example, in one of the chapters of the first part of the series, the protagonist faces the challenge of manually completing a task that needs to be done weekly. Our young IT professional is forced to think outside the box to conceptualize a solution that can reduce manual intervention, streamline the process, and reduce unnecessary errors. Overall, the example is intertwined with the fictional journey of the protagonist, unlike a straightforward non-fictional response.

Are there any lessons or strategies for navigating challenges commonly faced in corporate settings?

In this part of the series, especially in the last ten chapters, the book provides an unexpected turn in the protagonist’s life. The most significant learning from the book is “Perseverance.” Through the stories, the book showcases that one should not give up even in the most adverse situations. In the real world, one faces unexpected twists and turns and might see things slipping away. It is essential to rely on and trust your support system, be it your friends, siblings, parents, or grandparents. The reality is that as much as one can learn from success, one can also learn from failure.